Tuesday, May 30, 2017

The program for #Congress_2018 was to be up on the website for all to see... but they jumped the gun and published it on Tuesday 30th May. Take a look here. The list of speakers is here and the keynotes here. What is a challenge for we mere mortals is working out which presenter is giving which talk - no doubt this will be revealed shortly.

Although I have heard many of the speakers previously there is a large number of them including Judy G Russell and Paul Milner that I could listen to ad infinitum. I am thrilled to see some Irish experts on the agenda and particularly look forward to hearing the dynamic trio of Perry McIntyre,Richard Reid, and Liz Rushen. My mate Shauna Hicks has a couple of interesting new talks and I'm pleased to see DNA topics on the list. There's something for everyone.

Having perused the program I can see quite a few new (to me) names. I look forward to seeing and hearing what these folk have to say. There are a few blank spots on the program, I presume they are for representatives from places like The National Archives and Familysearch. Guess we'll just have to keep checking back in to the site for updates.

And I just heard that Rob Hamilton will be filling one of those empty spots with his "Freemasonry Records and the Genealogist" talk, a fascinating topic.

When I look at the list of presenters I am humbled that I made the cut. I am honoured to be included in the group.

Genies know that it pays to revisit one's Trove searches again and again.

My Dad grew up around the NSW country town of Canowindra where his father, Tom Curry, was a farmer. I knew that Grandpa managed a property called Fairview and another called Benevento in the district but until a few minutes ago did not know that in 1932 he also managed a property called The Rivers.

Today I ran the Trove search "Curry Canowindra" to see if I could find any new stories on the family. The first post blew me away as it described in great detail the property where the family worked, told me about my grandfather's activities and delivered a photo of Grandpa. The photo is very precious as we have very few closeup images of Tom. I can see some family resemblances in the picture even though it is of poor quality.

Monday, May 29, 2017

We know that Congress is going to be great. Even if we had to meet up in a shearing shed we genies would have fun but being in Sydney's new premium conference venue will create an environment that will enhance the event experience.

I get around in Sydney but haven't been to the new ICC (International Conference Centre Sydney), I hope to visit prior to Congress. One of our daughters had her wedding reception at the old conference centre on the site and that was pretty awesome, I can't wait to see this new one.

The views across from Darling Harbour to the CBD from the Conference Centre are stunning. Your strolls to and from the venue will be a delight. If you play hookey from some of the sessions you will be able to shop or dine at Harbourside, sit by the Harbour and watch the boats or take a stroll through the Chinese Gardens. More energetic genies can take a stroll over the historic Pyrmont Bridge and head uptown for some retail therapy.

Pyrmont Bridge

I congratulate the Conference organisers on selecting this venue for our premium Australian Geneaevent - it is no less than the event deserves.

Way back when I was working I set up a "Help Desk" where teachers could get almost immediate assistance with their technology questions. Providing assistance at the point of need was very effective. I look at the educational offerings from many of our genealogy societies and groups which are mostly lecture style presentations and wonder if any of them are providing for the individual needs of their members.

At our local group we have an informal meeting once a month where we encourage members to come along and provide assistance to each other. Last week we covered items requested by members that included signing up to the Claim a Convict site, saving a word document as a .pdf file (which led to a discussion of file formats), a demonstration on how to scan with the Flip-Pal portable scanner and a comparison of the way DNA results are presented on FTDNA, Gedmatch and MyHeritage (unfortunately Ancestry access was just too slow). Those who weren't interested in these topics were able to break into small groups to discuss other things.

Bulletin Boards and now Facebook Groups and Ask a Librarian services have been providing this sort of support, perhaps this is why some genies are turning away from traditional societies and groups and finding other avenues that enable them to find out what they need to know when they need to know it.

I'm wondering how many genies who have not yet embraced the technology that creates Just in Time Learning opportunities are missing out on learning.What does your society or group do to cater for the Just in Time needs of its members? Is your educational program serving the individual needs of your members?

Friday, May 26, 2017

My mind has been on other things this week, ie #Congress_2018, I also spent this morning meeting some of my new neighbours at a local Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. I have still managed to fit in a bit of blog reading. Hopefully you will enjoy some of what I have selected.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

In a tradition started by Thomas MacEntee Geneabloggers at large and small Geneaconferences wear Mardi Gras style beads so that they can easily recognise each other. At our last Congress in Canberra I sponsored the blogger beads for those in attendance and will do so again in 2018.

Geneabloggers at Congress 2015

I need to draw up a list of those geneabloggers who will be attending Congress and wish to proudly wear the beads. I know that Alona Tester, Chez Leggatt, Janelle Collins, Jennifer Jones, Pauleen Cass, Shauna Hicks, Helen Smith, Lilian Magill and Judy Russell will be coming along so I'll be reserving some beads for them. How about you?Geneabloggers, please let me know if you are going to Congress and wish to wear beads by leaving your name and blog URL under the link to this post on the Genimates at #Congress_2018 Facebook Page. I will order and pick them up when in the US in October.Closer to the Conference I will make arrangements for your beading.STOP PRESS: Alona Tester of the Lonetester blog has been in contact with me. Alona has a stash of blogger beads that she has offered to supplement my small supply. So your blogger beads will be courtesy of Alona and Jill.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

In a comment on her post I said that I had collections of chickens and hotel pens. As I have cleaned out my study I have found a few other small collections. There are the bookmarks, the postcards, the sougenirs, theatre programs, memorial books and other geneabumph. I have managed to keep these small collections but some books have had to go. So far I have disposed of around 800 from the house proper, there are many I can't part with that have already made the move to our new abode.

Yesterday I ventured down into my branch library in the garage (5 library bays x 6 shelves high) where my older books are stored. I made good progress tossing fiction, biographies and textbooks. I have only just started on my children's book collection from my time as a children's and then school librarian. I am going to find it difficult to part with some of my picture books.

When I woke up this morning I made a very brave decision. I have collected books by and about Agatha Christie since my teens. Whenever Mum saw a secondhand copy of an Agatha mystery she would buy it for me, I read them all - even the multiple copies. The wonderful thing about the Agathas is that I can reread them after a year so and still not identify the perpetrators. Last night I just couldn't bring myself to box up the old, dusty Agathas so I left them on their shelf with my John F Kennedy collection.

This morning I told myself that I must let go. I am so proud of myself as I have just returned from the garage where I have boxed up the Agathas ready to go to the local Rotary booksale and a new home. I hope their new owners get as much enjoyment from them as I have.

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Of all the genealogy speakers I have heard here and overseas there is just a handful whom I hold in the very highest regard.

One of those who is relatively new on the speaking circuit (I first heard her keynote at Rootstech 2014) is my genimate Judy G Russell aka The Legal Genealogist. I have since met Judy in person several times and have found her to be a warrm, generous and knowledgeable soul who is a great storyteller.

I was privileged to interview Judy with my genimate Sharn White at Rootstech 2016. You can view the interview below.

In 2016 Judy made a trip downunder as a presenter with Unlock the Past, she made several new genimates and (I think) was besotted by our country, its natural beauty and wildlife. Judy generously shared this photo taken with a new Aussie pal in 2016.

When I was in at SAG the other day I was chatting with a couple of the bods there and they indicated (probably because they know I am a loudmouth) that I could assist in promoting the 15th Australasian Congress on Genealogy and Heraldry, www.congress2018.org.au, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour, Sydney next year.

I jump at any opportunity to promote genealogy downunder and my beautiful city of Sydney so I will use my blog and other social media to share my enthusiasm for Congress. I have only attended the last two Congresses in Adelaide and Canberra (real work previously got in the way) and have found them to be energizing and enriching education events. Since Thursday I have been ruminating on how I can spread the word and decided on a series of blog posts which I will share on social media (it would be helpful if you could share them too and use the hashtag #Congress_2018). I decided on 101 Reasons to Attend #congress_2018 as the header for this topic. I don't know if I'll manage 101 but I'll give it a shot.

Over the past few years we have witnessed the rise and rise of Facebook as a communication channel for Genealogy so I have set up a (Unofficial) Facebook Group for Genimates at #Congress_2018. The main purpose of this page will be to connect and communicate with genies who may be interested in attending or hearing about Congress. It will be a place where we can share Congress related news and ask and answer those questions no-one else has yet asked.

If you can suggest a reason to attend Congress please send me a few lines of text (and maybe a pic or two) and I will turn it into a guest post in this series.

Friday, May 19, 2017

In a blog post this week Meg Carney blogging on the QSQ blog wrote about five books she has found useful in her research. She said "I have read many books in my search for information about my ancestors and the history of the times in which they lived. However, there are some that stand out and that I have found myself referring to again and again. Here are 5 of those books."

I love bookish posts and was going to include Meg's post in this week's edition of GeniAus Gems but it gave me an idea for a Geneameme so I am singling Meg's post out for mention here.

As good little genies we all recognise the value of moving away from the keyboard and consulting print resources. I love to know what books other genies cherish, Meg's list demonstrates that older publications along with new titles are all useful.

Herewith I announce the Five Faves Geneameme.

To participate in this meme simply pen a blog post sharing details of five books written by others you have found most useful in your geneactivities. Use the above graphic to decorate your post if you wish. Please let me know via a comment on this post or via another form of social media when your post is done and I will add it to a compilation that I will publish on this blog in early June.

It's dilemma time. This week has delivered a rich collection of blog posts to my RSS Feed. My issue is - do I add them all to this post or will I be selective?

I have decided to go down Ruthless Road. When I started this series of posts I planned to share 10-12 posts each week so, although I have read much of value this week, I will stick to my guns.. It would be easy to share a long list but I will go through what I have saved and select those Gems that shone most brightly for me.

I thought we were not supposed to spill the beans until May 31st but I was given the nod to share news of my participation. I am so excited to be part of this event that is being held in our beautiful city of Sydney. I am keen to show my genimates our town and to meet up with folk who are Congress novices.

My presentation proposals that were accepted are:

1. Beaut Blogs: Ideas for Tarting up your Geneablogs
2. Managing Frugally: Free Tools for Genies and Family History Groups

I have ideas for these topics but am interested in hearing if you have suggestions of any must be included ideas or tools I should include in my presentations.

I heard at the Society today that there is one more keynote to be announced later this week - I wonder who it will be? An Englishman, An American? An Aussie? Girl or Boy?

The remainder of the presenters have been been notified but I have only heard so far that Shauna Hicks is on the program. I can't wait to see who else will be presenting.

Will I be seeing you at Congress? Earlybird Registrations open on May 31st - watch the Congress website for details.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

I spent last Saturday attending a family wedding in Fiji. When you read this post I will be winging my way home after this celebration. For this week's post I turned to Trove to find some Fiji wedding stories.

Saturday, May 13, 2017

It looks like it's going to be an intimate gathering as only 8 people have registered so far for the event. There is usually quite a healthy rollup when I give a presentation so I am quite surprised.

I was hoping that more people would be interested in this topic. Perhaps Sydney genies are all polite, kindly, thoughtful, law abiding folk who do not need some crazy lady telling them how to Do the Right Thing. Perhaps they are a bunch of researchers who are so busy hunting down ancestors that they do not think of the consequences of their actions. Maybe their geneabudgets are exhausted and they can't afford another event.

If you want to discuss how to deal with secrets that you encounter around Adoption, Crime, DNA Discoveries, Illegitimacy or Sex or if you need to make sure you are being a well-mannered and responsible genie this event may just be of assistance to you.

Friday, May 12, 2017

When this post is published I will be enjoying the tropical sunshine on a resort island in Fiji. One of the younguns in our family is to be married there on Saturday and Mr GeniAus and I are joining them for the ceremony and celebrations. We look forward to catching up with members of the extended family and swapping stories etc.

The posts I have selected were published prior to 9:00pm Sydney time on Wednesday 10 May. I hope to keep up with my blog reading if the island's internet connection allows it.

I have another eclectic mix for you this week that starts off with some biographical posts from two of my favourite bloggers Pauleen and Michelle. These girls know how to spin a yarn.

Thursday, May 11, 2017

On the weekend I spent several hours making sure that the contents of my collection of backup CDs and DVDs had been transferred to my portable hard drives. I must have purchased my first portable hard drive about 2007 as that was the latest date I had on one of my disc backups.

It was quite a trip down memory lane as the disks held copies of the many websites I maintained in the early 2000's. There were a few files that I couldn't recover and some just required a file extension to be added to make them readable.

As I love to have stationery and supplies I find myself left with a collection of blank CDs and DVDs that probably cost me a pretty penny. I kept half a dozen of each (they may come in handy one day) and disposed of the rest.

New disks - going, going, gone

I feel like quite a dinosaur as I have moved from 5inch floppies to zip disks and the 3in hard disks to CDs, DVDs and thumb drives for storage. I wonder what will replace my now portable hard drives.

Sunday, May 7, 2017

As I try to get serious about DNA I realise that, as well as keeping up with news that is shared via social media channels, I must read more in-depth articles.

I find a lot of helpful tidbits and interesting conversations in the few DNA groups I have joined on Facebook.I can read monographs and journals but I want to keep up with the latest findings. The best place to find more current detailed information and opinions are in the blogs written by leading genetic genealogists.

Friday, May 5, 2017

Congratulations to my genimates who completed the 2017 A to Z Blogging Challenge. You have helped raise the profile of Australian Geneablogging.

The big news on the geneablogging scene this week was Thomas MacEntee's announcement that he will no longer be maintaining the Geneabloggers site. There has been some lively discussion on Thomas' decision on Facebook and other social media. I see this as a commercial decision on Thomas' part. Thomas has done a great job in bringing the geneablogging community together over the past eight years but, as a professional who needs to make a living, Thomas must do what is best for him.The Geneabloggers brand has allowed Thomas to build up a reputation and following in the geneaworld. He probably realises that, for him, devoting time to Geneabloggers will not grow his business. He is now turning his attention to other areas including DNA - an area that is growing and may provide more commercial opportunities for him. I don't think Facebook and other social media will replace geneablogging but I do feel there will be less growth in the blogging arena as people become more comfortable in using other forms of social media for communication. For me blogging is a convenient, dynamic platform for sharing news, opinions and stories. I'm with James Tanner on this one. Long live geneablogging.

Following for your enjoyment are some of the blog posts that resonated with me this week.

Thursday, May 4, 2017

All of my genealogy files, folders, books and photos have been moved and are shelved in our new home. Today finds me back in my old geneacave going through more stuff. I have spent the day going through my collection of portable hard drives that have capacities ranging from 80gig to 4tb. Before I toss the old bulky models I have been going through their contents to see if I have neglected to transfer any files (that I may never need) whenI have upgraded over the years. I am cleaning all files off the old drives and then Mr GeniAus will give them the hammer treatment.

On the left of the above image is one of my earlier models which stored 80gig with its power source and on the right is one of my two 4tb portable models. This portable black drive travels everywhere with me while its blue mate stays at home.

In case you had missed it the the Twitter hashtag for Congress 2018 (The 15th Australasian Congress on Genealogy and Heraldry. 9 - 12 March 2018 http://www.congress2018.org.au/) is #congress_2018 and the Twitter handle is @congress_2018.If you have a Twitter account how about showing your support for Congress?